Girl, 3, hit by vehicle in Gary after running into traffic, police say

A 3-year-old girl was fatally struck by a vehicle in Gary after police say she ran into traffic.

Police say a Dodge Durango was traveling eastbound in the 500-block of 5th Avenue around 3 p.m. Tuesday when it allegedly struck the girl, who was on the south side of 5th Avenue and ran into the lane of traffic. The girl - who has been identified as Davea Smith - was accompanied by another juvenile at the time of the incident, police said.

Smith was transported to a local hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident, and ask anyone with information to contact Gary police at 219-881-7485.